Yes, I know several different threads have suggestions on how to improve drop ships, but all the suggestions seem to indicate "fixing" things perceived to be broken. I think we all need to acknowledge that drastic changes are coming, whether we want them or not. We can bemoan the "breaking" of our drop ships, or try to guide the Devs with our suggestions on what should be included in the re-introduction. I would ask that your suggestions are:
1) Coherent, i.e. succinct, proper english.
2) Discretely separated from the surrounding text.
3) If you agree with another poster's suggestion, or wish to expand upon it, please quote what you agree with.
4) PLEASE STICK TO SUGGESTIONS ONLY! if the Devs can see a simple list of our DS requests, and the number of supporters, they may pay attention LOL.

My suggestions:
1) Transport DS should have 7 seats including 2 turrets, and be heavier into armor than shields, and the turrets should be limited to anti-personnel. Based on the direction CCP has stated they want to go with modules this makes sense, they need to be able to stand and deliver in an LZ for the duration of a drop off or pick up without being excellent offensive weapons.

2) Assault DS should have 3 seats including 2 turrets as well as the main gun, and be heavier into shields than armor and slightly more maneuverable than transports. This also makes sense given the new direction of modules, quick in and out attacks with long cool down on shield modules. After consulting with some more experienced colleagues it could be a good idea to limit the field of fire for all turrets of an ADS to overlapping 40-50 degree arcs in front of the ship.

3) DS and infantry need better comms to coordinate attacks or deployment, thanks to Judge Rhadamanthus for some suggestions on accomplishing this. I would add a Fire-Support Request as well, for marking targets to be assaulted by an ADS.

4) Work on reducing deployment times for all vehicles as well as the common glitches of dropping vehicles from a great height when near structures, and deploying on rooftops next to you when you're on flat ground.